Reaching new heights

Will Imbus was diagnosed with early-onset scoliosis—an abnormal, side-to-side curve of the spine in children under 5 years old. Treatment for early-onset scoliosis typically includes surgery every six months to lengthen the child’s spine as they grow. Since the age of 5, Will has had seven surgeries.

In January 2015, UI Children’s Hospital became the only hospital in Iowa to use a new technology for all early-onset scoliosis patients called the MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) Spinal Growing Rod. For most children with early-onset scoliosis, this will eliminate 6 to 10 surgical procedures during their childhood.